Arms of the Sky

Desolation offers the peace that lives
In the heart of a night like this,
And a lonely man can feel that
Peace in the touch of a stranger's kiss.

Trees reach down and teach the town
Lessons about the earth,
At nightfall when the winter-limbs
Indicate their self-worth.

Whether white-clouded or night-shrouded,
The wood needs no excuse;
For behind the tall, and shadowed at dusk,
All stand accused.

Though fraught with tears and endless fears
They still do not want to die.
And as nature takes the harmless shapes
The sun will set on the arms of the sky.

5.28.1989